Todd Klein's Blog, page 222

And Then I Read: DETECTIVE COMICS 40

Image © DC Comics.

The conclusion of the Anarky/Mad Hatter storyline is thrilling, clever and satisfying. Batman and Harvey Bullock are both at the Blue House, the center of the case, and both are wounded. Anarky and Hatter are in a death battle, and Anarky’s minions are being mind-controlled by an unknown device that Alfred is trying to pinpoint from afar. The close quarters in much of the story add to the suspense, and coming together of all the plot threads and deadlines in one action-packed issue makes for great reading. The art is excellent too. Fine work by Manapul and Buccellato. The wrap up is equally satisfying. Well done.

Highly recommended.

And Then I Read: GREEN LANTERN NEW GUARDIANS 39

Image © DC Comics, Inc.

This is one of those “fighting your inner demons” stories that pits Kyle Rayner against his evil reflection, mostly inside his own head. As the penultimate issue, this feels a bit like we’re treading water waiting for the last wave. Nothing remarkably good or bad. Character insights amid the flashy battles, but not unexpected ones.

Mildly recommended.

And Then I Read: ASTRO CITY 20

Image © Juke Box Productions.

Writer Kurt Busiek continues the thoughtful exploration of a super-heroic career, that of Quarrel, the viewpoint character. Her long-time partner Crackerjack gets nearly as much coverage, but Quarrel’s story jumps around from early in her career, finding her way, to the present day when she’s considering retirement. Crackerjack does not like that option at all, and is doing his best to keep them both in the game, but evidence is mounting that they can’t go on fighting the good fight forever without losing. Well written, well drawn, a delight to read.

Recommended.

Pulled From My Files #27: DREDD

This is an odd one, and I can’t recall who I did it for, but it wasn’t DC Comics. It’s the Judge Dredd badge with DREDD instead of JUDGE, a pencil sketch. I’m guessing it was done in the early 1980s, perhaps for a small publisher that was trying to get rights to publish the British series in the U.S.  Possibly Sal Quartuccio? I’m pretty sure it didn’t go any further than this, I was probably paid a small kill fee for my work. If anyone has seen something like it in print, let me know.

And Then I Read: JUSTICE LEAGUE 39

Image © DC Comics.

The flagship team title of the DC Universe has been top of the line with the recent “Amazo Virus” storyline. It comes to a conclusion of sorts with this issue. What could be worse than a virus that can give anyone super-powers? Having the infected working together under the direction of one intelligent mind, in this case Patient Zero, the first infected. Teamwork on both sides, good and bad, make for an interesting struggle. When it’s over, there’s lots of loose ends to tie up, and a few others left dangling. Nicely written by Geoff Johns, fine art by Jason Fabok.

Recommended.

And Then I Read: GREEN LANTERN CORPS 39

Image © DC Comics.

This issue follows John Stewart and a group of young Lanterns on the planet Zarox trying to deal with oppression and fear-mongering, while on another world, a Durlan Lantern, ancestor of the Legion of Super-Heroes’ Chameleon Boy we’d assume from his name, is working a similar tough situation. There are monsters, and fighting, as well as human-interest stories even though only one character is actually human. The art by Bernard Chang is a treat, aided by very appealing coloring by Marcelo Maiolo and fine lettering by Dave Sharpe. It features stylized panels amid more realistic ones for interesting contrast and variety. I like this book in general, though I can’t say any of the characters in it were all that memorable this time.

Recommended.

And Then I Read: G.I. ZOMBIE 7

Image © DC Comics, Inc.

Is it a sign of poor sales that this ultra-violent cover has nothing to do with the story inside? Trying to draw in a few extra buyers, perhaps? In any case I don’t care for it. If I were a parent with kids, I wouldn’t want it where they could find it, either. Really, DC?

I continue to love the series itself, though. The vast secret terrorist organization that G.I. Zombie and his partner have infiltrated is falling apart, thanks to them, and the huge underground headquarters has been destroyed by the group in an effort to cover their tracks. One agent is still among the small escape group, though, and getting into big trouble in the new secret hideout she’s been brought to. Meanwhile, G.I. Zombie has barely survived the explosion of the first bunker in a car going all out across the desert. His car is wrecked, and he’s hoping for help from two civilians in a passing car, but that doesn’t go well either when they suddenly go all zombie themselves. Great story and art by Gray, Palmiotti and Hampton.

Recommended.

Easter Eggs 2015

We’re at Ellen’s sister Ann’s home in way northern New Jersey for our annual Easter visit, and continuing the tradition of many years, yesterday afternoon we colored Easter eggs in a variety of unusual ways. This is a competition of sorts that we enjoy, and a creative activity, too. This year the egg decorators were Ann, Ellen, Zack, Ina, Todd and Tim. We each decorated about six eggs, so three dozen eggs total. I was having so much fun, I neglected to take any pictures during the decorating this year, but I’ll link to some past examples at the end of this post.

When the decorating was finished, and after we had dinner, our judge, Dave, had to pick winners in a variety of categories. Here he is contemplating with Zack looking on.

Here are the winners. I think you can read the categories, with the bottom two being Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice (voted by the rest of us). Everyone had at least one winner. It’s not really about that, but it adds to the fun.

Here are the eggs that didn’t get chosen, lots of nice ones here, too.

Some close ups of the eggs I liked best, so you can see the details better. And here are some links to past years’ eggs and process.

In 2014 I asked blog readers to vote, and HERE are the winners.

I don’t think we colored eggs in 2013, but HERE are the ones from 2012.

2011 is HERE, with some process shown.

2010 is HERE, also with some process.

2009’s blog post has the most process information, including some step-by-step instructions HERE.  If you’d like to try it, this is a good place to start!

And Then I Read: AQUAMAN 39

Image © DC Comics, Inc.

Aquaman and Mera have been on the trail of Arthur’s long-missing mother Atlanna, and they’ve found her on a remote island where she’s queen and ruler, not only of the people there but of the beasts and godlike monsters. In typical comics fashion, Arthur wants to talk to her, but instead is attacked by Atlanna, her people, and a variety of creatures. She doesn’t believe he’s her son, for starters. An awakened volcano god adds to the visual fireworks of the issue, which is mostly about fighting this time. Looks like he’s going to make even more trouble next time. Not my favorite kind of story, but an okay read.

Recommended.

And Then I Read: DETECTIVE COMICS 39

Image © DC Comics.

The penultimate chapter of the Anarky storyline puts together some of the pieces of a large puzzle, including the involvement of The Mad Hatter with this new manifestation of Anarky. Batman and Harvey Bullock have become uneasy allies in the case, which brings them to the ruin of a blue house where Anarky and Hatter’s fates became entwined, and where danger and violence are waiting. The writing and art by Buccellato and Manapul have hit the same high level that they achieved on THE FLASH now, after some earlier issues that didn’t work as well for me. This story is excellent.

Recommended.